Opening hours

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day, 7 days per week. In the summer we will often stay open later than 4 pm. We look forward to seeing you.

About the museum

There are over 1200 pieces on show, including many unique and never before seen pieces, in two galleries.

The Studio gallery, the larger of the two, focuses on the Isle of Wight's many studio glass makers, particularly Isle of Wight Studio Glass, but also SculptGlass (Diamond Isle Sculptured Glass), Glory Art Glass and Alum Bay Glass as well as related studios such as Jonathan Harris Studio Glass. This gallery also has a stunning collection of Mdina glass made during the period when the Harris family were in Malta, between 1968 and 1972, many pieces signed by Michael Harris. Also, there are designs by Michael from the 1950s and when he was teaching at the Royal College of Art in London in the 1960s.

The museum is also building a collection of studio glass made by other British makers, such as Peter Layton, Pauline Solven, Karlin Rushbrooke, Nick Orsler, and Siddy Langley.

In our brand new gallery, opened in April 2018, we have a fascinating and growing collection of French, German and British Art Deco glass. The focus is on glass made or designed by/for Edmond Etling, Pierre D’Avesn, Verlys, Sabino, Jobling, Stuart Crystal, John Walsh Walsh and WMF.

The museum has educational facilities catering for group visits, including schools and colleges, of up to 35 people. Our library is accessible to scholars and collectors by appointment.

Museum redevelopment

The museum opened in March 2016 after a great deal of work. But we are not standing still. Our aim is to continually improve the visitor experience as resources allow.

In April 2018 we completed a major redevelopment, which greatly enhanced the visitor experience. These included a more exciting layout, storyboards and graphics, touch screen computers full of helpful information for visitors to use, and a library.

In September 2019 we opened a new shop and hired two retail staff. We offer a wide variety of glass, jewellery, books and other items to cater for many tastes. Our aim is to provide great products and excellent value for money. The shop is open 7 days per week.

Wifi is free in the museum. Just ask for the password.

New exhibits

A rare Mdina 'Cut Ice' lollipop vase, 22.5 cm high, probably made in the late 1960s. One face is cut with large polished facets. The base is signed 'Michael Harris Mdina Glass Malta', indicating it was likely made by him.

Early 20th century French cameo vase by Gallé of an unusual form, 13 cm high, with flowers, buds and foliage. A stunning piece!

Tricorn vase made by Pauline Solven at Ravenshill Studio. It is signed on the base “Pauline Solven RH343”. The code number indicates it was probably made in 1979. Pauline established Ravenshill Studio in 1975.

Blog

The museum now has a coordinator and assistant to welcome our visitors. Both Bernadette Connolly, the new coordinator, and Tina Gormer, the new assistant, started work on Monday. After an intensive first week of preparation, the museum is ready to open on Saturday, 19th March at 10 am. The museum director invited Bernadette and Tina to introduce themselves and they have kindly provided a few words about their backgrounds. - Click here to read more - Comments: 0